NYC’s 10 Best Christmas & Holiday Cocktails

December 12, 2012 1:00 PM

(credit: SideBAR)

Hot cocoa, egg nog and peppermint lattes are all well and good, but we don’t blame you for needing a little something extra during the holiday season. We have relatives, too. Take a break from your last-minute gift shopping to sip a holiday cocktail, or two. Cheers to the holiday season at these New York City bars and restaurants. By Sarah Shaker.

(credit: SideBAR)

Mint Chocolate Candy Cane, SideBAR

Love to munch on candy canes every December? Then the Mint Chocolate Candy Cane cocktail at SideBAR is for you. Vision Vodka, Green Creme de Menthe and White Creme de Cocoa are poured into a martini glass rimmed with crushed candy cane to sip and crunch.

(credit: Rye Restaurant’s blog)

Brandy Milk Punch, Rye Restaurant

Rye’s seasonal punch may be your new favorite indulgence over eggnog. Loosely based on chef/owner Cal Elliott’s favorite dessert, a Brandy Alexander pie, the Brandy Milk Punch is made with Ronnybrook whole milk, Jacques Cardin brandy and house-made Demerara syrup. The glass rim is moistened with an orange slice and dipped in cocoa nibs from the Mast Brothers.

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Mulled Wine, Alobar

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without a classic mulled wine. Warm up ar Alobar in LIC with their delicious Mulled Wine, made with red wine, apple-cinnamon infused whiskey, spiced syrup and orange peel.

(credit: Highpoint Bistro & Bar)

Sparkling Poinsettia, Highpoint Bistro & Bar

Highpoint Bistro & Bar in Chelsea has a long list of delicious holiday cocktails this season, that it’s hard to pick just one. The Sparkling Poinsettia highlights champagne with Gran Marnier, vodka and cranberry juice for a bubbly treat. Also notable is the Gingerbread Eggnog, Spiked Apple Cider, Spiked Hot Chocolate and Candycane Martini for a range of seasonal flavors.

(credit: Sugar and Plumm)

Frozen Eggnog, Sugar and Plumm

Tis’ the season for eggnog. Now how about a frozen version? Vanilla ice cream, maple-pecan rum cinnamon and nutmeg blend for a creamy eggnog milk shake. Enjoy this this boozy dessert at Sugar and Plumm before the holiday season ends!

Snow Cap, Stone Rose Lounge

The Snow Cap is also available at Whiskey Park, Whiskey Blue and Living Room this holiday season. Stolichnaya Vanila Vodka and Frangelico are combined with coffee then topped with whipped cream for the perfect nightcap.

(credit: Danielle Meyers )

Winter Warmer, Nice Matin

This holiday cocktail is also available at Marseille, Café D’Alsace, French Roast, L’Express, Pigalle and Marseille during the season. Get cozy with Earl Grey Syrup, Grand Marnier, Cognac VS, steamed milk, Star Anise and freshly grated nutmeg for garnish.

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Santa’s Lil Helper, DuMont Burger

This boozy chocolate shake adds Irish cream whiskey, peppermint extract and is garnished with starlight mints. Also check out their S’mores milkshake, which adds vodka, marshmallow cream and graham crackers to chocolate ice cream for an adult version of your childhood favorite cold-weather treat. Enjoy one of these cocktails with one of DuMont’s famous burgers for an indulgent holiday season meal.

(credit: Sotto 13)

White Christmas Cosmo, Sotto 13

The recently opened “social Italian” restaurant is perfect for a West Village date night with their sharable bites and expertly crafted cocktails. This holiday, sip on the White Christmas Cosmo at Sotto 13, combining Tito’s Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, White Cranberry Juice, Pomegranate Juice, Agave Nectar, a candy cane crushed into small pieces with a lime wedge.